Source: Radio New Zealand
The fire is in an area where a 20ha eucalyptus forest is being cleared for a new development. RNZ/Peter de Graaf
A large fire has burnt through four hectares in an area with eucalyptus forest in Kerikeri on Sunday afternoon.
More than 20 firefighters, two helicopters and a digger have been battling the fire, in an area where eucalyptus forest is being cleared for a new development, since about 3.30pm.
Volunteer firefighters from five Far North brigades have been battling the fire. RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Firefighters were hoping to have the major blaze close to the town centre contained by nightfall.
The fire was initially across an area of about 200 square metres, but high winds fanned it to a wider area.
The fire is off Fairy Pools Lane and close to the Heritage Bypass, about 500 metres from motels and homes along Kerikeri Road, as well as a church and a funeral home.
Two helicopters and more than 20 firefighters were battling the blaze in gum trees and slash since this afternoon. RNZ/Peter de Graaf
However, Fire and Emergency NZ said no property was threatened and there had been no evacuations.
Two Salt Air helicopters from Paihia were scooping water from the Fairy Pools – a popular swimming spot near the town centre – to dump on the burning gum trees and slash.
Incident controller Wayne Martin said the fire was 90 percent contained as of 7pm and he expected it would be fully contained by nightfall.
FENZ incident controller Wayne Martin. RNZ/Peter de Graaf
A forestry crew would monitor the fire overnight so the volunteer firefighters could go home.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
